The 49 best things to do in Los Angeles
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Your essential guide to the best things to do in Los Angeles, from stair hikes to scenic drives and more
Written by Michael JulianoFriday March 1 2024
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Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles? We have you covered with the very best that L.A. has to offer. Whether you’re a culture vulture, outdoorsy type or simply a lover of our fine city, there’s more than enough here to keep you busy. Even lifelong Angelenos will find something new to add to their to-do list, between the city’s landmark attractions that are still accessible, an ever-changing inventory of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, essential L.A. museums and even some off-the-beaten path secrets. How many of the best things to do in Los Angeles will you try?
March 2024: This month, we’ve added a day with free museum entry across SoCal, a food fest celebrating women-owned restaurants, some of the first music fests of the season and the return of First Fridays at the Natural History Museum. It’s also time to keep your eyes peeled for wildflowers and cherry blossoms; expect some more updates on both of those fronts mid-month. If you hurry, you might still catch a glimpse of Space Shuttle Endeavour in its ready-to-launch position from elsewhere in Exposition Park—but since it’s due to be covered in scaffolding soon, we’ve otherwise removed that from our list. We’ve also temporarily removed Rosie’s Dog Beach due to the canine respiratory illness currently circulating in the area, as well as Wayfarer’s Chapel, which has shuttered for now due to land movement in the area.
Best things to do in L.A.
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano
Stroll through the stunning gardens at the Huntington Library
- Things to do
- Event spaces
- San Marino
- price 2 of 4
What is it? A historic library, museum and sprawling gardens that was the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington.
Why go? The Huntington’s distinctly themed gardens are easily the most stunning manicured outdoor spaces in SoCal, especially its recently expanded Chinese garden. The library and museum are equally impressive; all require reservations on weekends.
Don’t miss: An excellent exhibition on under-recognized sculptor Sargent Claude Johnson. In the past year, the Huntington has also renovated its historic tea room and rebuilt a 320-year-old house from Japan.
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See L.A. from above at Griffith Park
- Things to do
- Griffith Park
What is it? A 4,000-plus–acre rugged park in the center of the city.
Why go? The trails, the flora, the views, the howls of coyotes down the canyons at night, the twinkly lights of Downtown in the distance—L.A. may not have a grassy, centralized park, but Griffith’s massive, hilly wilderness makes for a stellar alternative.
Don’t miss: Even when the Griffith Observatory is closed (on Mondays), you can still drive or hike up to the grounds of the landmark Art Deco dome to take in the unparalleled views. Wherever you end up hiking, we highly suggest listening downloading Ellen Reid’s Soundwalk, a location-based musical composition that transforms as you move about the park.
Photograph: Courtesy Joshua White, JWPictures/©Academy Museum Foundation
Practice your acceptance speech at the Academy Museum
- Museums
- Movies and TV
- Miracle Mile
- price 2 of 4
What is it? A permanent home for the history of moviemaking that’s finally open.
Why go? The collection includes the sorts of cinematic treasures you’d expect from the people who put on the Oscars, like C-3PO and the sole surviving shark from Jaws. Oh, and the gift shop is pretty fantastic, too.
Don’t miss: The museum’s gallery rotations currently celebrate The Godfather, Casablanca and Boyz N the Hood, plus French New Wave pioneer Agnès Varda and documentarian Lourdes Portillo. Plus a John Waters exhibit outlines the gleefully filthy films and legacy of the iconic director. And with the Oscars this month, look out for a conversation series and watch party.
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out
Have tacos and egg sandwiches from Grand Central Market
- Restaurants
- Downtown Historic Core
- price 2 of 4
What is it? A European-style food hall that’s been operating in Downtown L.A. since 1917.
Why go? Even if you’re not there for the food, it’s worth a trip; people from all corners of L.A. mix and mingle among rows of spices, produce and vintage neon signage. Of course, if you’re hungry it’s a great place to get cheap pupusas, carnitas tacos and aguas frescas, as well as food from handsome, trendy eateries like Shiku, Fat + Flour, Sticky Rice, Broad Street Oyster Co., Eggslut, McConnell’s and G&B Coffee.
Don’t miss: Tacos Tumbras a Tomas serves the hall’s go-to taco, particularly the carnitas and al pastor.
Take a food tour of Downtown L.A.
Photograph: Courtesy Museum Associates/LACMA
Pose in front of streetlights at LACMA
- Museums
- Art and design
- Miracle Mile
- price 1 of 4
What is it? Chris Burden’s Urban Light, a piece made up of 202 cast-iron street lamps gathered from around L.A. and restored to working order, that stands outside of the massive museum.
Why go? Yes, snag your streetlight selfies. But you’d be selling yourself short if you don’t venture beyond the photo-friendly installation; LACMA’s collections boast modernist masterpieces, large-scale contemporary works, traditional Japanese screens and by far L.A.’s most consistently terrific special exhibitions.
Don’t miss: A few days a week, you can watch Judy Baca paint an extension of The Great Wall of Los Angeles from within LACMA’s galleries. Also, if you live in L.A. County, book a reservation for a weekday after 3pm to get in without paying a cent.
Bike the Strand
- Sports and fitness
- Cycling
- Venice
What is it? A 22-mile bike path, officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, that traces nearly the entire extent of L.A.’s westward-facing coastline.
Why go? It’s the best way to tour the coastline. The path starts at Will Rogers State Beach and winds its way all the way down to Torrance County Beach.
Don’t miss: If you’d rather take the path at a walking pace, you’ll find pedestrian-friendly forks in Santa Monica, Venice and Manhattan Beach.
Take a guided bike ride along the coast.
Photograph: ©Academy Museum Foundation
Visit more than 30 SoCal institutions for free during Museums Free-For-All
- Museums
What is it? A single day, Saturday, March 23, when over 30 museums in the region will drop their admission fees.
Why go? It’s the perfect opportunity to knock a couple of cultural to-dos off your list, like the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, LACMA, Japanese American National Museum, GRAMMY Museum, the La Brea Tar Pits, the Skirball and more.
Don’t miss: It’s not the only major museum day in March, as ArtNight Pasadena will keep the Gamble House, Pacific Asia Museum and more than a dozen others open after hours (and for free).
Pedal around Echo Park Lake
- Things to do
- Echo Park
What is it? A former reservoir turned public recreation area at the center of one of L.A.’s most buzzing neighborhoods.
Why go? The historic Echo Park Lake in recent years finally became a family-friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains and the Lady of the Lake statue.
Don’t miss: You can push your way through the lake in a swan boat ($12 per hour) or stroll around the path that hugs its borders.
Photograph: Courtesy Gasolina Cafe
Support women-owned restaurants during Re:HER
- Things to do
What is it? A monthlong celebration of women-owned restaurants in L.A.
Why go? Regarding HER’s annual RE:Her festival offers themed menu specials, convos and collabs from women restaurateurs all month long.
Don’t miss: Highlights from this year include a paella night featuring Casa Vega and Gasolina Cafe (March 22), a chaat party at Benny Boy Brewing (March 10) and a “chefs of the Arts District” dinner (March 20).
Set out in search of wildflowers (soon)
- Things to do
What is it? Patches of poppies and all sorts of other colorful flowers that will hopefully start to blanket the region.
Why go? After L.A.’s wildly wet February, we’re officially on superbloom alert. We’re not quite there yet—a few patches of color in the desert aside—but if we continue to get a bit of rain and some warm weather, brace yourself for a beautiful sight.
Don’t miss: We’ll be updating our wildflower guide, linked below, regularly throughout the month, so stay tuned for updates—including the status of the much-loved Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve.
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Gaze into infinity at the Broad
- Museums
- Art and design
- Downtown
What is it? A free, contemporary art museum in Downtown L.A.
Why go? Three little words: Infinity Mirror Rooms. The persistently popular museum has two mirror-laden Yayoi Kusama installations (the more immersive of which you can now reserve in advance). Of course, there’s plenty more to see, from Robert Therrien’s oversized Under the Table to a half-dozen Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings.
Don’t miss: A collection show of L.A. artists that was set to debut in the spring of 2020 is finally on display with works from John Baldessari, Mike Kelley, Barbara Kruger and more.
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out
Step inside of a long lost art carnival at Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy
- Art
- Installation
- Boyle Heights
What is it? A carnival that popped up in Germany in 1987, went into storage for decades and has now been reborn in a soundstage near the L.A. River.
Why go? Though you can’t climb aboard the rides here, the atmosphere is magical. The same can be said for the astounding lineup of artists whose works you’ll see inside: a Ferris wheel with drawings by Jean-Michel Basquiat, a carousel crafted by Keith Haring, a mirrored dome devised by Salvador Dalí, swings painted by Kenny Scharf and many, many more.
Don’t miss: You’ll need a timed ticket throughout the show’s run, which is currently slated through the spring. You can read more here about our experience at Luna Luna—including why we think you don’t necessarily need to spring for VIP access.
Photograph: Courtesy Natural History Museum of L.A. County (NHM)
Dance among the dinosaurs during First Fridays at the Natural History Museum
- Things to do
- Classes and workshops
- USC/Exposition Park
What is it? A monthly after-dark party and lecture series at the Natural History Museum.
Why go? The first Friday of every month from March through June plays host to a KCRW-presented evening of music, plus guided museum tours, and scientist-led talks.
Don’t miss: Each month has a different theme, including Animal Love (March), the Nature of Gender (April), the Plant Clones are Coming (May) and How We Multiply (June).
Photograph: Courtesy Eric Scire
Watch a movie outdoors
- Movies
What is it? An early start outdoor movie season.
Why go? Because unlike most of the country, we can still sort-of-comfortably watch a movie outdoors in the winter. Rooftop Cinema Club is operating its DTLA venue with plenty of heaters in tow. Otherwise, look out for a few other series to return starting in April.
Don’t miss: New screenings and series are announced all the time, so make sure to check our calendar each week.
Photograph: Michael Juliano
See some snow in our own backyard up Angeles Crest Highway
What is it? A stretch of scenic highway that starts in La Cañada-Flintridge and quickly climbs a couple thousand feet into the San Gabriel Mountains.
Why go? Where else can you go from palm trees and temperatures in the 70s to freshly dumped powder in about 30 minutes? Depending on the winter weather, snow is a quick (but not too quick: take your time on those blind curves) drive up the 2 freeway.
Don’t miss: In the days following a winter storm, the Georges Gap Trailhead tends to be one of the closest spots to see some legit snowfall on the mountaintops. If you want to actually step in some of the white stuff, expect to see it on the ground within a couple of miles of the turnoff for Mount Wilson—though, again, that’s depending on how recently a storm has blown through. Otherwise, you may have to venture farther east toward the former Newcomb’s Ranch (make sure to have snow tires or chains).
Photograph: Jade Park for Time Out
Spend the weekend at a music fest
- Music
What is it? The very beginning of a packed few months of music festivals.
Why go? Though Coachella is still a month away, a couple of major events are going down in March, including hip-hop fest Rolling Loud in Inglewood and carnival-live trance fest Beyond Wonderland in San Bernardino.
Don’t miss: There’s at least one major local music fest nearly every month from now until the end of the year, so make sure to scope out our full list.
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out
Meet Bing Bong and hop aboard the newest attractions at Disneyland
- Things to do
- Event spaces
- Anaheim
- price 3 of 4
What is it? A new hotel, ride and restaurant at Disneyland, the nearly 69-year-old iconic theme park.
Why go? If you haven’t been recently, there are a handful of new things to check out at the happiest place on earth, including Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a colorful and clever ride in Toontown; Tiana’s Palace, a charming New Orleans-inspired restaurant themed to The Princess and the Frog; and a Big Hero 6-ified makeover of the former Pacific Wharf dining area into the colorful Sanfransokyo. You can also meet Bing Bong and watch Joe play piano at the just-debuted Pixar Place Hotel, which has transformed the former Paradise Pier Hotel into a celebration of the art of Pixar animation. In the spring, look out for the limited-time return of “Wondrous Journeys,” an absolutely dazzling animation-filled fireworks show, as well as the much-loved “Fantasmic!”
Don’t miss: If you haven’t been to the pair of parks in a while, there’s a lot that’s changed—and we’re not just talking about the additions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Avengers Campus—so we suggest brushing up on some of our essential Disneyland tips first.
Have a street food feast at Smorgasburg L.A.
- Things to do
- Markets and fairs
- Downtown Arts District
What is it? A Sunday market with dozens of food vendors in the Arts District.
Why go? The weekly food fest is like an incubator for L.A.’s next big food spot, with more than 80 food and retail stalls at ROW DTLA. You’ll also find the I Love Micheladas beer garden for local brews and micheladas.
Don’t miss: This year’s new vendors include Basket Taco Co., Battambong Barbecue and Taste of the Pacific.
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano
Step inside Frank Lloyd Wright’s handsome Hollyhock House
- Things to do
- Walks and tours
- Los Feliz
What is it? A 1921, Mayan-inflected Frank Lloyd Wright house atop a hill in East Hollywood.
Why go? Though the home’s privileged hilltop perch is admirable from the outside, it’s best experienced from within: The exquisite wood detailing, long concrete hallways and geometric furniture are well worth the $7 tour.
Don’t miss: Saturday tours tend to sell out, so make sure to book in advance or try a weekday if you can (Thu–Sat 11am–4pm).
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/vagueonthehow
Picnic at the Hollywood Bowl
- Things to do
- Event spaces
- Hollywood
- price 2 of 4
What is it? A gorgeous and instantly recognizable outdoor amphitheatre that’s been hosting concerts since the LA Philharmonic first played there in 1922.
Why go? Nestled in an aesthetically blessed fold in the Hollywood Hills, the 18,000-seat venue can bring out the romantic in the terminally cynical. It’s the summer home of the LA Phil (and boozy picnics).
Don’t miss: As long as there’s no performance going on (which is most days in the winter and spring), it also doubles as a public park. During the busier summer season, you’re welcome to bring your own food to ticketed shows (and even booze to LA Phil-produced ones).
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out
Ride the tram up to the Getty Center
- Museums
- Art and design
- Westside
What is it? A free hilltop art museum with a rolling lawn overlooking the ocean.
Why go? From the ocean to the mountains northeast of Downtown L.A., the panoramic views from this artopolis more than compensate for its relative inaccessibility (you need to ride a tram to the museum). So too do the masterpieces on display, particularly its Impressionist paintings and baroque and French decorative arts.
Don’t miss: Pacific Palisades sister institution the Getty Villa is absolutely worth a visit, too, and brimming with Greek and Roman antiquities. Both museums require a free reservation.
Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Robson Hatsukami Morgan
Hit the slopes at a ski resort
- Travel
What is it? Just under a dozen destinations within a day’s drive of L.A. where you can ski or snowboard.
Why go? You can drive for about an hour into the mountains and meet snow in the winter. But burn through a bit of extra gas and you’ll be rewarded with a proper high-altitude wonderland.
Don’t miss: Snow Valley, Mountain High and the twin slopes of Bear Mountain and Snow Summit are all within a three-hour drive from most parts of L.A.
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out
Warp into the the Mushroom Kingdom at Universal Studios
- Attractions
- Theme parks
- Universal City
- price 3 of 4
What is it? Super Nintendo World, a new Mario-themed land at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Why go? The colorful, kinetic land lets you throw shells on an augmented reality-enhanced Mario Kart ride, punch ? and POW blocks for coins, and dine inside an adorable Toad-themed café. It’s the most significant—and greatest—addition to the park since the still-pretty-magical Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Don’t miss: For an extra $20 to $25, you can add on an early access ticket that gets you into Super Nintendo World an hour before the rest of the park opens.
Photograph: Courtesy Glen Ivy Hot Springs
Soak in some mineral waters off-season at Glen Ivy Hot Springs
- Health and beauty
- Spas
- Inland Empire
- price 3 of 4
What is it? An outdoor oasis of pools, mineral baths and hot and cold plunges tucked into a tropical plant-filled valley in Corona.
Why go? Like a wellness-focused playground for adults, Glen Ivy sits in the sweet spot where it’s close enough (about an hour or two drive) to go for the day, but far enough to feel like an escape from L.A. Though it’s largely more of a resort-like spa than its name implies, there is indeed a 104-degree naturally-fed hot spring at Glen Ivy (you’ll certainly smell the sulfur).
Don’t miss: Fall and winter offer a break from the sometimes overbearing summertime heat and crowds. Visit on a weekday in the off season and you can expect the swimming pools to be basically empty and the hot tubs sometimes busy but never overcrowded.
Walk along the Venice Canals
- Things to do
- Venice
What is it? A series of small canals that run through the beachfront neighborhood—hence the name, Venice.
Why go? Tucked between the grimy Venice Boardwalk and the posh Abbot Kinney, the Venice Canals offer a completely different side of the famed beachfront neighborhood. Take a stroll through these three canal-lined blocks and you’ll discover an idyllic scene with arching pedestrian bridges, charming (and astronomically priced) beach houses and bunches of ducklings.
Don’t miss: Though you won’t find boat rentals anywhere along the canals, you can bring your own non-motorized vessel to tour the neighborhood at water level (enter via the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard).
Photograph: Michael Juliano for Time Out
Watch a film in Hollywood’s oldest operating movie palace
- Movie theaters
- Independent
- Hollywood
- price 1 of 4
What is it? A 101-year-old theater built by the same architect as the Chinese Theatre and home to the first Hollywood premiere.
Why go: The Egyptian Theatre is back after a three-year restoration project. Now under the ownership of Netflix, the streamer will hold special events and premieres there on weekdays. But the American Cinematheque, the not-for-profit that first revived the venue in the ’90s, will continue to program it on weekends with excellent cinematic picks and Q&As.
Don’t miss: It’s not the only old theater to make its return recently: The Vista, now under the ownership of Quentin Tarantino, is once again regularly screening films (and serving coffee in an adjacent shop).
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano
See L.A. from 6,000 feet up at the Mount Wilson Observatory
- Things to do
- Angeles National Forest
What is it? A mountaintop observatory, and a winding, scenic drive to get there.
Why go? High up in the San Gabriel Mountains, the Mount Wilson Observatory affords terrific views of the surrounding region. Admission to the area is free, but you’ll need to buy a Forest Service Adventure Pass in order to park at the site and its adjoining picnic area as it’s located within the Angeles National Forest.
Don’t miss: First off, make sure the road up there is open as it often closes for large stretches of the winter. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds, or a seasonal docent-led tour ($15) of the observatory on weekend afternoons (same-day tickets are available at the Cosmic Cafe). For late-night stargazing, you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for the pricey but totally worth it ticketed events. And consider securing tickets for a concert inside the dome on select Sunday afternoons during the summer.
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano
Stroll through SoCal flora at Descanso Gardens
- Attractions
- Parks and gardens
- La Cañada
- price 1 of 4
What is it? A hillside botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge that harbors a year-round collection of native flora.
Why go? This delightful tribute to the horticultural magic of Southern California includes more than 600 varieties of camellia (best seen between the middle of February and early May), as well as groves and hillsides of native plants.
Don’t miss: There’s always a seasonal bloom to scope out, including—as mentioned—camellias in the winter, and tulips and the Japanese garden’s cherry blossoms in the spring (usually in March or April).
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano
Hike to Eaton Canyon Falls and back in less than an hour
- Things to do
- Pasadena
What is it? A 50-foot waterfall located in an easy-to-access canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains.
Why go? Los Angeles is a beautiful place, and it’s not afraid to flaunt it. Case in point: Eaton Canyon. The Pasadena-area park is one of the most accessible and easygoing trails where you’ll truly feel like you’ve slipped into the wilderness.
Don’t miss: Most easily accessible on weekdays, the Pinecrest Gate is just barely over a mile from the waterfall and cuts out what’s otherwise the most boring part of the hike.
Photograph: Time Out/Michael Juliano
Have an oceanfront, roadside meal at Neptune’s Net
- Restaurants
- Seafood
- Ventura County
- price 2 of 4
What is it? A postcard-worthy seafood shack on the Pacific Coast Highway toward the western edge of Malibu.
Why go? The fried ocean bites and weekend biker crew make Neptune’s Net a unique destination. (Alternatively, dine up the coast with locals at Malibu Seafood, where the long line is worth the wait for fresh fish and seafood, or grab a superlative lobster roll at Broad Street Oyster Co.).
Don’t miss: Take your food across the street and park in the dirt patch by the water, with views of surfers and kite boarders.
Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Anthony Fomin
Explore the twisted exterior of the Walt Disney Concert Hall
- Music
- Music venues
- Downtown
- price 3 of 4
What is it? A concert hall and home of the LA Philharmonic designed by famed local architect Frank Gehry.
Why go? Cruise along Grand Avenue and you can’t miss the Walt Disney Concert Hall, a twisted metallic explosion of Frank Gehry’s imagination. You can look inside the stunning auditorium on a self-guided tour, but the exterior is also just as exquisite.
Don’t miss: Climb up the staircase on Grand Avenue, near 2nd Street, and you’ll find a garden hidden behind the hall. Bring a bagged lunch or a climb along the building’s lustrous exterior. Also, in honor of the hall’s 20th anniversary, you can scope out a half-dozen architectural models (look for them inside in BP Hall).
Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Andrew Sterling
Take a scenic drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula
- Things to do
What is it? Ten miles of streets, mostly along Palos Verdes Drive, hugging the coast from the Torrance border to San Pedro.
Why go? The first third of the drive sticks mostly to spectacular real estate a few blocks inland, but after you round Point Vicente, the drive changes dramatically. For a few miles past Terranea, there’s nothing but undeveloped oceanfront hillsides, winding roads and golden-hued bluffs.
Don’t miss: Take a stroll by the Point Vicente Interpretive Center for views of the nearby lighthouse.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Alissa Walker
Hike the Silver Lake Stairs
- Things to do
- Walks and tours
- Silver Lake
What is it? Dozens of public, outdoor stairways scattered around Silver Lake’s verdant hillsides.
Why go? These WPA era staircases are well-suited for a workout or a fitness-included tour of the area. Though some homeowners have tried to prevent open access, make no mistake: These sets of stairs are for public use. You can find an exhaustive list in author Charles Fleming’s Secret Stairs.
Don’t miss: Highlights include the heart-painted Micheltorena Stairs (Sunset Blvd and Micheltorena St) and the Music Box Steps (Vendome St and Del Monte Dr), of Laurel and Hardy fame.
Fly a kite by the Korean Bell of Friendship
- Things to do
- San Pedro
What is it? A mighty metallic bell and pavilion in San Pedro donated by South Korea in 1976.
Why go? Perched over the Pacific, this grassy spot overlooking the ocean is known for its namesake bell, with an ornately painted hipped roof. The exposed hillside is an ideal spot to fly a kite thanks to persistent winds coming off the ocean.
Don’t miss: The bell rings only four times each year: Fourth of July, National Liberation Day of Korea (Aug 15), New Year’s Eve and during Constitution Week in September.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/Tobin
Get some fresh air at Malibu Creek State Park
- Attractions
- Parks and gardens
- Santa Monica Mountains
- price 1 of 4
What is it? An 8,000-acre mountainous park that looks unlike anything else in L.A.
Why go? With dramatic gorges, open pastures, lush forests, hidden pools and jagged peaks, Malibu Creek is simply one of the most stunning spots in Southern California.
Don’t miss: A bit of silver screen history; you can spot remnants of the M*A*S*H set and splash in the rock pool that was featured in Planet of the Apes. Consider using your library card to secure a free parking pass.
Admire the coastline atop Temescal Gateway Park
- Things to do
- Pacific Palisades
What is it? A Pacific Palisades hillside park with multiple viewponts of the ocean.
Why go? With a variety of terrain, flora and views of the Pacific and city, Temescal Canyon Park is great for trail runners, hikers and dog walkers. You’ll experience vast, breathtaking views that span from Catalina to Downtown and enough varied terrain to keep you and your furry friend going—all the way to the Valley, should you dare.
Don’t miss: The stop signs. Seriously. They’re photo enforced, and you’ll be sent a $100 fine if you roll through.
Photograph: Courtesy@mai_perspective
Watch the sunset from El Matador
- Attractions
- Beaches
- Malibu
What is it? A small but beautiful state beach in Malibu dominated by rocky coves.
Why go? Because it’s easily the most scenic stretch of coastline in the region. It’s only accessible via a steep gravelly path from a paid parking lot. But the effort is worth it, whether it’s to watch the waves lap against the rocks or see the sunset.
Don’t miss: The tide. The beach here is pretty narrow and sand comes at a particular premium when high tide rolls in.
Travel back in time at the drive-in
- Movies
What is it? About a half-dozen drive-in movie theaters in SoCal that are still going strong.
Why go? For nearly a year, it was one of the only ways to see a first-run movie that wasn’t on your couch. But even with regular theaters open again, we still think it’s tons of fun and cost effective.
Don’t miss: Some theaters are only open seasonally while others only screen on weekends, so you’ll want to check the schedule before you drive over.
Photograph: Benny Haddad for Time Out
Tackle 282 steps at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
- Things to do
- Culver City
What is it? A Westside lookout best known for its 282 steep, concrete stairs to the top.
Why go? The views from the top offer some of the best views of the region, with the ocean on one side and the Downtown L.A. skyline on the other (set against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains in the winter). Once you reach the summit, sit at the long park bench and take in the 360-degree views.
Don’t miss: If you’d rather not beat up your knees, take a shortcut and drive up to the top of the hill and park in one of the many empty spaces ($6).
Survey DTLA architecture on a Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tour
- Things to do
- Walks and tours
- Downtown Financial District
- price 1 of 4
What is it? Take a fuel-efficient walking tour and cherish Los Angeles’ urban architectural heritage.
Why go? The Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours take in the city’s top sights and most beautiful buildings, including Downtown’s historic theaters and Art Deco buildings (on a weekly basis) as well as the modern skyline (monthly). Be sure to reserve a place well ahead, because the tours are incredibly popular.
Don’t miss: The tour of Victorian homes in Angelino Heights (first Saturday of the month) is perfect for Halloween-time.
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Photograph: Courtesy Unsplash/Audrey Fretz
Spend time with your dog at the South Coast Botanic Garden
- Things to do
- Walks and tours
- price 2 of 4
- Rancho Palos Verdes/Rolling Hills Estates
What is it? A once-a-month block of dog-friendly hours at the Palos Verdes botanical garden.
Why go? To spend some quality outdoor time with your four-legged best friend, of course. One Sunday a month, you can roam the gardens’ 87 acres with your fur baby.
Don’t miss: Nabbing a reservation. You (the human) will need a reservation, while your best friend (the pup) will need to remain on their leash at all times, including in the parking lot.
Become a pinball wizard at EightyTwo
- Bars
- Downtown Arts District
- price 2 of 4
What is it? An Arts District arcade bar.
Why go? If ever there was a bar to geek out in, this one is it. L.A.’s first arcade bar boasts more than 40 classic arcade cabinets and pristinely preserved pinball machines—all fixed with cup holders for endless booze-fueled sessions. An homage to the golden age of arcade games, cocktails here have names like Kill Screen, Zangief and Dr. Mario.
Don’t miss: Swing by the last Sunday of the month for an open pinball tournament (or join the L.A. Pinball League, which plays on Tuesday nights).
Hunt for antiques at the Rose Bowl Flea Market
- Shopping
- Pasadena
What is it? A staggeringly colossal flea market held outside of the Rose Bowl the second Sunday of each month.
Why go? The sheer size and scale of this flea market means that it encompasses multitudes: new and old, hand-crafted and salvaged, the cheap and the costly. There are plenty of duds, to be sure, but come out early enough and you may go home with that perfect purchase.
Don’t miss: Stray from the main loop around the stadium; there are rows and rows of old furniture, albums and vintage clothes and accessories that fill the adjacent parking lot.
Achieve your farm-to-table dreams at the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market
- Shopping
- Markets and fairs
- Santa Monica
What is it? A series of farmers’ markets held every week year-round in Santa Monica.
Why go? The next time you’re at a restaurant and tempted to ask the waiter where your astoundingly fresh beets came from—don’t. We’ll save you the trouble and answer for you: the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.
Don’t miss: While the market occurs on a couple of days in various parts of Santa Monica, the best day to go is on Wednesday along Arizona Avenue.
Relax on the sand at Point Dume State Beach
- Attractions
- Beaches
- Malibu
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What is it? One of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches and a frequent Hollywood filming location due to its iconic rock face.
Why go? If you can’t find a free space along Westward Beach Road or you’re willing to pay for parking, you’ll be rewarded with this wide and rarely crowded patch of sand and surf. As all the parking spots are only steps from the sand, Point Dume is the perfect place to pack a picnic for a beachfront meal as seals and dolphins frolic during sunset—just watch out for those hungry seagulls.
Don’t miss: An easygoing dirth path climbs from the sand to the top of the point, with tons of yellow wildflowers in the winter and spring.
Look out on L.A. from Los Angeles City Hall
- Things to do
- Downtown
What is it? A grand, white concrete tower that’s served as L.A.’s city hall since 1928.
Why go? It’s the cheapest way to take in an elevated view of Downtown and beyond. If you’re ever passing through the Civic Center during weekday public hours, enter on Main Street—then you owe yourself a visit to the 27th floor observation deck.
Don’t miss: Look for the 1984 Olympic torch near the Spring Street exit.
Photograph: Unsplash/Andrea Joshua Qoqonga
Load up on records at Amoeba Music
- Music
- Music venues
- Hollywood
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What is it? A warehouse-sized record store in the middle of Hollywood.
Why go? Sure, Spotify is great, but anyone in search of that arcane track off of that mid-’80s Tom Robinson album knows it isn’t perfect. Neither is Amoeba, but it is the largest independent record store in the United States, and the variety of music on offer is amazing, the prices are fair and the staff really know their music.
Don’t miss: Its new address. The shop recently moved from its longtime home on Sunset Boulevard to a spot at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue.
Step inside the precursor to Disneyland at Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn
- Museums
- History
- Griffith Park
What is it? A model train workshop housed inside of a red barn that used to reside in Walt Disney’s Holmby Hills backyard.
Why go? Walt Disney used to ride his own 1/8th scale live-steam railroad—the “Carolwood Pacific Railroad”—around his backyard until he shifted his focus to a much bigger project: Disneyland. In 1999, the red barn that he used as his workshop was moved to Griffith Park’s Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum. Every third Sunday of the month, you can visit the barn to find a collection of train models and memorabilia.
Don’t miss: Legendary Disney artists and engineers are known to pop in during open hours.
Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/J Jakobson
Find your zen at the Lake Shrine
- Attractions
- Parks and gardens
- Pacific Palisades
What is it? A meditation garden in the Pacific Palisades.
Why go? Get lost in your thoughts at one of L.A.’s best kept secrets: the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. Set on a 10-acre site that was used as a film set during the silent era, its lovely gardens offer some increasingly rare assets today: peace and tranquility.
Don’t miss: A reservation. You’ll need one right now to visit the meditation gardens, which are open for free from Wednesday through Sunday.
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